Dubai’s private school sector has recorded a 6% rise in student enrolments for the 2024-25 academic year, bringing the total to 387,441 students across 227 institutions. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), this growth reflects the emirate’s thriving education landscape.

Ten new private schools opened during this academic year, aligning with Dubai’s Education Strategy E33, which aims to establish 100 new private schools by 2033. These efforts seek to meet the needs of Dubai’s growing, diverse population.

Aisha Miran, Director-General of KHDA, highlighted Dubai’s appeal for families seeking top-quality education and for educators aiming to shape future generations. She stated, as per WAM, “The growth in student enrolment, including Emirati students, alongside the expansion of new schools, reflects the strength of the city’s education ecosystem.” She added that the E33 Strategy focuses on creating an inclusive, innovative, and supportive environment for students of all backgrounds.

Dubai private schools currently offer 17 curricula, with the UK curriculum being the most popular, enrolling 37% of students. This is followed by the Indian (26%), US (14%), International Baccalaureate (7%), and a UK/IB hybrid (4%) curricula. Emirati students also form a significant presence, with over 33,000 now enrolled, preferring the US, UK, and IB systems.

The sector’s growth is not limited to student numbers. The city has attracted 27,284 teachers to its private schools, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. This highlights Dubai’s status as a leading hub for global educators seeking career advancement.

For more details and insights into Dubai’s private school data, visit the KHDA website.